Devils on the Ice for Thanksgiving Practice | NOTEBOOK

The Devils hit the ice today before heading home for some Thanksgiving lunches. Everyone healthy was accounted for during the morning session and the team will travel later this evening to Detroit to face the Red Wings tomorrow afternoon at 3 p.m.

Check out the Devils Notebook for the latest info, updates, interviews, videos and more from the practice session!

Meier Addresses Suspension

Timo Meier sat out Wednesday night's game against the St. Louis Blues, serving his one game suspension for his hit on Predators Zachary L'Heureux in the game prior.

It was the first suspension of Meier's career.

"Just kind of a play where a little bit unlucky. It's in the past now, move on. Never nice to get suspended. It's my first time. It's nice to be back and worry about the next game tomorrow."

Meier returned to skating on his regular line with Nico Hischier and Stefan Noesen at today's practice session.

Change Up

With Meier's return, Paul Cotter returns to his line with Erik Haula and Dawson Mercer, while also at practice Kurtis MacDermid slotted in with Justin Dowling and Tomas Tatar to make up the fourth line.

Shane Bowers, who had occupied that left wing spot, skated as an extra pairing on defense with Nick DeSimone.

Not Like Us

The Devils have been on a good run lately, go back to their last 16 and it's pretty remarkable that their last four losses have all been shutouts. Otherwise, they're posting victories on the board. It's something that needs to be corrected, particularly when you look at the personnel up and down the lineup, says Brenden Dillon.

“We were talking this morning and we’re 12 and 4 and the four losses have all been shutouts, which is for our team and the firepower we have, is obviously not like us," he said.

Meier explained what he feels they need to do better as a team to avoid being shut out the way they have recently.

"We’re not getting inside enough," Meier said. "We’re creating stuff on the inside to create that extra bounce to break the goalies. We’ve got to do a better job at that."

Devils Welcome Theo

The Devils welcomed a special guest, 12-year-old Theo Koshenkov, to Wednesday's morning skate as part of their Hockey Fights Cancer initiative. Theo signed a one day contract, sitting at Martin Brodeur's desk, to officially become a member of the team.

Theo, who hails from East Brunswick, New Jersey, is a Devils superfan that was recently diagnosed with Lymphoma. He was offered a one-day contract by Devils V.P. of Hockey Operations Martin Brodeur in the Hall of Fame goaltenders’ office at Prudential Center.

“It means a lot (to us as an organization),” Brodeur said. “People are going through a difficult phase in their life. To make a great day like today, getting Theo on board with a one-day contract with the New Jersey Devils, it’s an easy thing for us to do but it means a lot for Theo and his family.”

The Devils will be hosting Theo and his family on Saturday, Nov. 30 for the team’s Hockey Fights Cancer Night against the Washington Capitals. That night, Theo will watch warmups from the penalty box, join the starting lineup read in the locker room, participate in the pre-game ceremonial puck drop and ride the Zamboni.

Read the full article here.